Japan Culture Center • Capital Campaign

Help JASI "Move Into the Light!"

Click here for Funding Opportunities.

We are delighted to announce the construction of a JASI Japan Culture Center in the Union Station building, an historic landmark in downtown Indianapolis!  With a prominent, front-of-building location, and a Japanese architectural design, the new Japan Culture Center will bring the “Japan brand” front and center to the State and City.  It will allow JASI to greatly expand its offerings, providing a venue for tea ceremonies, classes, cultural workshops, training, meetings, and receptions. Click here for architectural renderings.  

Indiana has enjoyed a very vibrant relationship with Japan and the presence of a robust Japan America Society of Indiana (JASI) for almost 30 years.  During these three decades, JASI has played an important role in supporting Indiana’s large base of Japanese businesses, educating the people of Indiana about Japanese culture and society, and leading key initiatives in partnership with the State of Indiana. 

However, our offices have always been housed in borrowed or meager space, literally under the train tracks, with visitors often surprised at the loud rumbling of trains overhead.  Our Japanese friends have called it the “Shimbashi Jimusho”, referring to the many cramped working offices under Tokyo’s train tracks.  Additionally, there has been no one physical location where Hoosiers can go to experience the architecture and culture of Japan, Indiana’s most important friend.    

Indeed, improving JASI’s physical space has been a goal for nearly ten years.  With these objectives, the JASI Board of Directors has set forth a first-ever Capital Campaign to fund the completion of construction and to provide a reserve fund for future enhancements.  We hope that you will consider making a special donation to the JASI Capital Campaign.  Your participation will be deeply appreciated, and it will re-confirm your commitment to advancing cultural exchange and understanding in Indiana. 

Help JASI “Move Into the Light!”

JASI Capital Campaign - Funding Opportunities

MATSU  Pine - $20,000 and above
Top Tier Placement on Donor Wall and Special Recognition

TAKE  Bamboo - $10,000 – $19,999
Priority Placement on Donor Wall

MOMIJI  Maple - $5,000 – $9,999
Recognition on Donor Wall

UME  Plum - $1000 – $4,999
Recognition on Donor Wall

Friends of JASI - $500 - $999
Recognition on Donor Wall

We hope to receive your commitment by December 31, 2017.   Contributions can be made in one or two installments, within the 2017 calendar year or with a second installment to be paid by the end of the 2018 calendar year.   

As envisioned, the new JASI Japan Culture Center will serve as a shining beacon and offer another milestone to celebrate this wonderful relationship. 

Our JASI Executive Director, Theresa Kulczak, or Yoshi Ogawa, JASI Japan Services Coordinator, would be pleased to speak with you regarding a special donation.   They can be reached at JASI’s office at (317) 635-0123;  theresa.kulczak@japanindiana.org or yoshi.ogawa@japanindiana.org

This is a very special opportunity and the Japan-America Society of Indiana hopes that you and your colleagues will give favorable consideration to the Capital Campaign.  Thank you in advance for your support to help JASI’s offices “Move Into the Light”!

Yours sincerely,

Melanie Walker, President of the Board of Directors
Japan-America Society of Indiana
President, Tsuchiya Group North America

Click here for Funding Opportunities.